Who Should I Start? Chuba Hubbard or Jahmyr Gibbs

Sunday, February 1, 11:59 AM

Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard's RB15 finish in 2024 made him a popular early-to-mid-round pick in 2025, but after missing time and ceding primary early down work to a more efficient Rico Dowdle upon his return, he finished as the RB40. Dowdle, who was on a one-year deal, has been vocal about wanting to be featured as a lead back, but whether he returns to Carolina or not, it's unlikely that Hubbard will again see the type of volume that made him a fantasy league-winner in 2024. Hubbard's usage in the passing game has ranked among the least efficient in the league over his five-year career, and his near-300 touches in 2024 came largely as a result of the unexpected absence of second-round pick Jonathon Brooks, who could be back to fight for a starting role in 2026. Regardless of who Hubbard finds himself sharing a backfield with next season, the 27-year-old has likely seen the last of his bell-cow duties.

Friday, February 27, 8:20 AM

Three seasons into his NFL career, Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs has established himself as one of the premier players at his position. Across 17 games in 2025, the 23-year-old recorded 1,839 yards from scrimmage and 18 touchdowns on 320 touches. Gibbs is averaging nearly six yards per touch for his career and has recorded back-to-back seasons with at least 1,800 scrimmage yards and 18 scores. 2025 also brought about a couple of notable changes in Gibbs' profile. After starting just seven of his first 32 NFL games while sharing the Lions' backfield with veteran back David Montgomery, Gibbs started all 17 contests in 2025 and established himself as the team's clear RB1. Gibbs also saw the heaviest receiving workload of his career, setting single-season highs in targets (94), receptions (77), and receiving yards (616). In 2026, Gibbs appears likely to once again be relied upon as a heavily featured piece in the Lions' offense. Gibbs' ability to rack up fantasy production as both a rusher and receiver makes him an elite dynasty running back option heading into the prime years of his career.